Oklahoma Heart Institute Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Craig Cameron, performs the Institute’s 100th cryoballoon ablation procedure since adopting the technology May 2011. This procedure provides a new option for some patients living with Atrial Fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm problem affecting adults in America. Currently, more than 4 million people carry the diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation with many more yet to be diagnosed. There is an increasing incidence with age, and it is estimated that 25% of adults over 40 will develop Atrial Fibrillation during their lifetime. Atrial Fibrillation can result in a dramatic reduction in quality of life, physical condition, mental health and social functioning, as well as cause congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, and death. Fortunately, successful ablation of Atrial Fibrillation has proved in multiple research trials to normalize the above quality of life measures and reduce the incidence of congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, and death.
Since introducing this procedure at Oklahoma Heart Institute, patient results have been remarkable, with an acute procedural success rate of 100%. During short-term follow-up, success rates for paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation are currently over 90%. As expected, procedure duration and X-ray exposure times continue to improve and are superior to the previous point to point radiofrequency ablation technology.
Source: Novel Tools in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation, Oklahoma Heart Institute Magazine, Fall 2011; edited by Amanda Armstrong. To read the complete article, click here.